The OKC Thunder are back home and looking to right the ship against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The OKC Thunder are on a three game losing streak and Thunder fans and basketball minds are curious as to what happened. I could sit and dredge up factors that contribute to the streak, but that isn’t what this is about. This could be about the 12-20 road record the Thunder sport. Or maybe about how the OKC Thunder have an offensive rating of 100 .4 in the month of March. The fact that OKC is allowing 112 points per game in March is also surprising for their top ten defense. But, that’s not what this is about either. Today, just watch for these five things when the Portland Trailblazers walk onto home court.
What to Watch For:
Who’s going to defend Damian Lilliard?
The point guard of the Blazers’ backcourt is having an efficient season. Averaging 26 points per game on the season, Lillard averages just as much against the OKC Thunder. Getting high quality shots is no worry for Dame against this team. Hitting 46% from the field and almost 35% from three Lillard is pretty comfortable. Lillard put in 33 on a 47% field goal percentage the last time the teams met. Portland won at home, and Victor Oladipo made his absence felt. Having another body to tail Lilliard all night is crucial in beating the Blazers. His status is still uncertain
Lineups:
The Russell Westbrook,Doug McDermott, Andre Roberson, Steven Adams and Taj Gibson lineups haven’t been as productive as everyone hoped. As of yet. The lineup isn’t working defensively as they have a 120 defensive rating per 100 possessions. The lineup has a net rating of Minus-3.8 per 100 possessions. The group is supposed to be the perfect balance of offense and defense for the team, but so far there appear to be kinks. Over time and with chemistry gained the results will show.
Victor Oladipo felt good today in a light practice, Billy Donovan said. He'll go through shootaround tomorrow and see how he feels.
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) March 6, 2017
Oladipo Status:
This from yesterday is important. Oladipo hasn’t played post All-Star break yet and the team is feeling it. He’s their second leading scorer and his defense is paramount to their success. If he doesn’t go again tonight, the team will have to adapt before the spiral gets out of hand.
AWOL Adams:
Steven Adams is having a tough month. His shot attempts are down to as season low 6 a game while his field goal percentage has steadied. His 57% from the free throw line has regressed tremendously, after a promising start. Adams role and minutes increased this past summer and even more when Kanter was out. As he gets acclimated to the role of ‘Go-To’ on defense and volume shooter on offense, the results will be mixed from the young, elite center.
On-court body language.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
If things get out of hand tonight or if the Thunder begin to let a lead slip watch the team morale. This a young team with a heavy task of aiding Westbrook in a playoff push. It was never going to be an easy run this time around, but the team has to stay positive and fight through it. Keep the noise and staying focused goes a long way in pushing through turbulence.
Injuries for OKC
Thunder
Victor Oladipo Gametime Decision (Back)
Game Time: 7:00 PM CT
TV: FS Oklahoma HD, NBATV
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)
Season Series: Blazers lead series 2-1
Note: Portland were supposed to be entering on the second night of a back to back, but precipitation on the court in Minnesota led to the cancellation of the game last night.